The 24-year-old striker has been struggling with an ankle problem and aggravated the injury during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Bolton.

He was substituted just after the hour mark and Ferguson revealed that he would be out of action for at least three weeks, ruling him out of England’s third Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley.

However, speaking on United’s in-house TV station, MUTV, and on local radio the veteran tactician revealed that the former Everton man is progressing well and could be ready to return for Fabio Capello’s side in under two weeks’ time.

Rooney has struggled so far this term, with Ferguson admitting that tabloid reports about his private life have affected the talented hit-man, and he was left out of the United side that drew 3-3 with Rooney’s former club Everton back on September 11.

He also cut a peripheral figure at last summer’s World Cup in South Africa and failed to make the expected impact during England’s woeful campaign.

England, and Rooney in particular, are still trying to win back the England fans who have become less forgiving after seeing their heroes put in such abject displays last summer.

Two victories from their opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers have gone some way to building a bridge back to the supporters but they will need to put in another improved display against Montenegro, who have also garnered six points from their opening two games in Group G.

The United manager revealed that Rooney was keen to play against Sunderland in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light but he will not be in the squad as the boss is keen to make sure the injury is 100 per cent before a return to action (United 4/6 to beat Sunderland).

“Wayne trained yesterday and he wants to play tomorrow,” he told local radio station Key103. “But I have to take the view that this injury has been niggling away for a while and he kept on playing.

“I have to be dead sure that I am doing the right thing because Wayne has not been doing himself justice. I think in a week he will be fine. Obviously we don’t play in a week, so it is up to Fabio Capello whether he wants him to.”

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Roy Hodgson

The Reds have so far drafted in the likes of Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen, Brad Jones, Danny Wilson, Milan Jovanovic and Jonjo Shelvey, although keeping the likes of captain Steven Gerrard and star striker Fernando Torres has arguably been their best piece of business.

Doubt still exists over the future of Argentina captain Javier Mascherano – the Reds will keep him unless Liverpool’s valuation is met despite the signing of Poulsen as cover – but Hodgson insists is still working out exactly where money needs to be spent as a priority.

In the build-up to the trip to Eastlands for what could be a Premier League cracker, the former Fulham chief confirmed: “I’d like some money to spend if I could research where that money could be spent wisely.

“Giving me a lot now and telling me to go out and buy some players with one week of the transfer window left would not be particularly advantageous.

“I’ve only been here for five weeks or so and I’d want to make sure I had assessed absolutely everyone, including those at the academy, just in case we have an outstanding 17-year-old.

“We might have a Javier Hernandez there so I don’t want to go out and spend £50million on buying another one.”

Liverpool’s financial position and the fact co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are looking to sell up means unearthing another Kop youngster would be manna from heaven for the Merseyside outfit.

The Reds started the Premier League season with a draw at home against Arsenal so they will be looking for their first win when they make the short trip to Manchester (Liverpool 11/5 – To Keep A Clean Sheet).

Cole’s red card against the Gunners means he will sit the game out while defender Daniel Agger is a doubt because of the after-effects of concussion.

City will almost certainly hand a debut to new midfielder James Milner who has been prised away from Aston Villa.

The England international is eyeing a new role at his latest club although his versatility means the former Leeds United starlet is likely to be asked to do a variety of jobs during his City career.

“Wherever the manager wants me to play, I’ll do it to the best of my ability,” the 24-year-old told City’s website.

“But I enjoy playing in the middle – that’s probably my best position and where I’ve shown by best form over the past 18 months. I’ve been most creative and scored goals from there and I’ve enjoyed it immensely.

“I think that’s where the boss has signed me to play, but if he asks me to play anywhere else I’ll do what is best for the team.

“As long as we’re winning football matches, that’s all that counts.”

City could hand a Premier League debut to new striker Mario Balotelli (7/1 – Enhanced First Goalscorer) although Aleksandar Kolarov and Jerome Boateng remain sidelined with ankle and leg problems respectively.

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The 33-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at the Bernabeu before making his debut for Real – where scored 323 goals in 741 games since 1994 – is available on a Bosman free transfer and was linked with a move to German side Schalke (7/1 Bundesliga Outright).

However Raul, who helped Real seal three Champions League triumphs and six Spanish league titles, confirmed that his future is not yet decided and he could still end up at a Premier League club.

Tottenham were linked with a swoop for Raul to spearhead their first foray into the Champions League next term (Spurs 40/1 Outright). However boss Harry Redknapp has dismissed that prospect, claiming his wages would be too high for the north Londoners.

Liverpool and Manchester United have also been mentioned as possible destinations and Raul insists he will make a decision “in a few days”.

“I have had very deep discussions with Schalke but there are other teams that are also interested. My future lies in Germany or England,” he said.

Raul added: “In a few days I will know whether I’ll be going to the Bundesliga [or to England].”

Raul was speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon to confirm his departure from Real Madrid and he described it as a “difficult day”.

He said: “Football has been my life and Real Madrid my home. Together we have lived unique moments.

“I feel like a footballer still and I will keep on playing but I will always be loyal to Real Madrid. I have tried to give everything in my time here.

“A new period starts today. I have been happy at Real Madrid and I will always be willing to help the club in whatever it needs.”

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Rafael Benitez

The 50-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer following a trophyless campaign in which the Reds missed out on a top-four Champions League place and lost out in the Europa League semi-finals to eventual winners Atletico Madrid.

However following reports linking him with Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan, Benitez revealed that he has no plans to quit Merseyside at least until the end of his current contract in 2014.

And, as far as his long-term future is concerned Benitez stressed that he would like an opportunity to coach Spain, who go into this summer’s World Cup fancied to take the title (Spain 4/1 Outright Winner) after their Euro 2008 success.

“Right now I have four years left in my contract with Liverpool and I am very happy there,” Benitez told www.as.com.

“But, of course, in a few years, once [Spain coach Vicente] Del Bosque ends his work, I would like to be Spain coach.

“All of the Spanish coaches would like in the future to become national team manager.”

Meanwhile, Benitez has hit back at his critics and suggested that he has become a victim of his own success having guided the Reds to Champions League, FA Cup, European Super Cup and Community Shield glory in his first two years.

He added: “We made a huge mistake, as we won four titles at the start. Then people ask you for more, when in reality in the Premier League it’s assumed that at the start a coach needs time to adapt.

“(Manchester United manager Sir Alex) Ferguson took seven years to win the Premier League.”

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